It’s the start of a new school year, and students around the world are returning to campus and settling into dorms and apartments. In this issue we highlight some of the practical back-to-school items you’ll need to address as you get back into the rhythm of classes and studying. Also, we are getting very close to the re-launch of InternationalStudent.com, so watch your email for an announcement in the next few weeks!

In the United States, the excitement of a new academic year is well underway! Plan to be a part of next year's orientation: Review results of our exclusive list of U.S. universities, colleges, high schools, and English Language Programs. Input your own personal criteria on our simple form, and start the process of studying in the USA in 2008:

This month we feature a question from kerouacbum, a US student who wants to study archaeology in the UK:

I'm an archaeology student who wants to study in the UK, but like so many on this mssg board, have found it hard get the necessary info to do so. My problem has been the issue of proving that you are able to financially sustain yourself while in school abroad. I have heard that anticipated financial aid does not count in determining "sustainable income". If anyone has any helpful info, it will be appreciated.

The InternationalStudent.com Annual Travel Contest is back - and bigger than ever!

Send us your video about why and where you want to travel or study abroad. The videos should be around 4 to 8 minutes in length, and we will judge the entries on creativity, video production and editing quality, originality and interest level in the proposed trip or study abroad, and pure subjectivity on our part. Take a look at some of the entries from last year!

Entries are due by October 15. To be eligible, you must either be an international student, currently studying outside of your home country, or the trip that is the subject of your video must be a study abroad trip.

This year, the winner will receive $2,500 to use towards their trip or study abroad experience - plus there will be some cool runner-up prizes.

The Council of Graduate Schools reported this week that offers of admissions to international students at US graduate schools increased 8% this year, following a 12% increase last year. This is the third consecutive year of increases, welcome news for US graduate schools competing worldwide for international graduate students. US schools have had to combat post-9/11 visa hurdles and stigmas as well as increased global competition, and this report is further evidence that these efforts are paying off.

The report also shows a dramatic increase in the number of schools setting up collaborative programs with schools outside of the US. These collaborative programs, where a student spends some time at a university in her home country and some time at a partner school in the US, have eased some of the burdens of international education, since a student does not have to obtain an entire degree far from home.

There are many reasons for the popularity of Italian language and culture: Italy is one of the most significant centers of fine arts in the world, it is the birthplace of classical music and it offers unique archaeological sites in an amazing landscape.

To find the right Italian course, "The Language Course Finder" offers you the opportunity to search for language courses according to your personal criteria (e.g., location, course type, group size, accommodation, supplementary activities…) Moreover important details which are needed for a language holiday or study-abroad program are also readily available, i.e. comprehensive information about language certificates, country and travel facts (immigration, insurance...).

Click here to find your Italian course now and experience a new way of life:

We hope you have enjoyed this month's newsletter - as always please contact us with any questions or comments you have about the newsletter or the site - we love to hear from you! Plus......as promised you will see the full launch of the brand new InternationalStudent.com very soon!!!